Rieder: Is journalism entering a golden age?

Are we heading into a golden age of journalism?

That might seem hard to believe, given all of the gnashing of teeth and rending of garments in recent years over the field's perilous state as traditional journalism has been turned upside down by the digital onslaught.

At times it seemed that the very future of journalism, at least serious public service journalism, was at risk.

But that sunny outlook is very much the view of Internet pioneer Marc Andreessen, who has written a thoughtful post on the topic on the website of his venture capital firm, Andreessen Horowitz. I don't buy all of it. But it comes from a very smart person who clearly cares a lot and has thought a lot about journalism, and it's well worth checking out.

"I am more bullish about the future of the news industry over the next 20 years than almost anyone I know," declares Andreessen, the co-author of Mosaic, the first widely used Web browser, and a co-founder of Netscape.

Andreessen bases his bullishness on the "gigantic" expansion of the market for journalism, thanks to the rise of the developing world and the wonders of the Internet. Citing what he calls the "death of the middle" in evolving markets, he predicts that the news outlets that will do best are the ones at the edges, those with the broadest audiences and the ones who dig deeply with a sharp focus.

REM RIEDER: An encouraging flurry of news initiatives

With advertising plummeting in print publications and digital ad revenue at disappointing levels, one of the nagging worries is how journalism will be financed in the future. Andreessen sees a mix of funding sources, ranging from advertising and subscriptions (charging for digital content seems key) to philanthropy and crowdsourcing. And don't forget Bitcoin for micropayments — Andreessen is a major enthusiast when it comes to the digital currency.

Take investigative reporting. Several years ago, as reeling legacy news outlets were cutting back severely on the vital but costly pra! ctice, watchdog reporting seemed like an endangered species. And while no one is declaring victory, several encouraging developments have taken place. Philanthropy-funded ProPublica has become a major and highly respected player in the field. Other non-profit outfits have expanded, and new ones have sprung up at the local level.

Thus Andreessen's take on investigative reporting. First, he points out, in the great scheme of things, the total tab for investigative reporting is relatively small. "How we might solve this small money problem," he says, "is via a combination of crowdfunding, philanthropy and subsidization by otherwise healthy news businesses." And the same, approach, could work for pricey war coverage, what Andreessen refers to as the "Baghdad bureau problem."

As you may have noticed, the Internet is awash in junk, but Andreessen rejects the notion that garbage will drive out quality content. In fact, he says, just the opposite will occur. Amid the clutter and noise, high-quality material will become even more desirable and valuable.

Andreessen gives props to what he sees as contemporary media success stories, from Politico to BuzzFeed to the Guardian and and The New York Times. ("It's great to see the Times has evidently cracked code on the transition from print to digital after extremely hard effort.") And he gives a shout out to some of the operations he has helped underwrite, including the political site Talking Points Memo and the business site Business Insider.

The Internet guru makes no pretense that winning the future will be easy, and he has some advice that he thinks will make it more possible. Journalism executives, in his view, need to avoid thinking defensively and "protecting old artifacts," and concentrate instead on reinvention. "The best approach," he says, "is to think like a 100% owner of your company with a long-term time horizon. Then you work backward to the present and see what makes sense and what remains."

So is Andreessen right? There ! are encou! raging signs and bright spots. But my glasses aren't quite as rose-colored as his. And one vitally important area remains a major concern: paying for local reporting.

It may not take a village, but it takes an army of reporters to thoroughly cover local news in a metro area. And metro newspapers have been squeezed, leading to smaller and smaller staffs. While impressive local digital operations have sprouted, they so far have tended to be smaller, complementary to the entrenched news outlet rather than a viable alternative.

Until an economic model emerges for intense local news coverage, I'm not ready to declare victory.

Butterfinger Super Bowl teaser super suggestive

Miley Cyrus is starting to look almost tame next to what some Super Bowl advertisers already are up to this go-round.

Butterfinger, the Nestle-owned brand that will air its first-ever Super Bowl spot on Feb. 2, has posted a super-suggestive Super Bowl teaser spot about a nervous couple, Mr. & Mrs. Buttercup, in the waiting room before a — wink, wink — "Edible Couples Counseling" session. Never mind that this therapy-seeking couple are personified versions of Peanut Butter and Chocolate — looking for something to make their lives more, well, exotic. "Don't you think it would be nice to try something new — and crunchy?" asks the female member of the duo.

At the same time, a top entrant in the annual Doritos "Crash the Super Bowl" competition for consumer-made Super Bowl spots, features a fellow whose singular mission in life appears to be sucking the fingers of Doritos-eaters who have that familiar orange-flavoring stuck on their fingers after eating the chips. When folks stick their fingers through a finger-sized hole in the wall near his desk, he stops everything and sucks away at the fingers.

BUDWEISER: Unveils Bowl ad plans

Sound like Super Bowl advertisers, themselves, may need some sex therapy?

"You can't shock people any more with nudity or foul language," says Barbara Lippert, advertising critic and columnist for Mediapost.com. "Instead, you have to create these visual things that you wouldn't ever have put together in your own mind."

Perhaps the greatest irony of all: This is the Super Bowl when the royalty of racy Super Bowl advertisers, GoDaddy, has opted to go straight. Yes, Danica Patrick will still be in one of GoDaddy's ads, but she'll no longer be surrounded by sexy GoDaddy girls. It's almost as if the rest of the bunch is preparing to fall all over each other for GoDaddy's pushing-the-limits mantle.

But it's the 60-second Butterfinger teaser, on YouTube and at ButterfingerCups.com, that has social media abuzz. For Butterfinge! r, it's an attempt to garner attention for its new peanut butter cup candy bar. The teaser seems to hark back to the 1970s, when sexual therapists Masters & Johnson were still the cultural rage. The therapy-seeking couple, in the waiting room, even read a copy of Exotic Snacking (looks like Erotic Snacking), and oohs and ahhs as they turn the pages.

In the spot, an ecstatic Cheese and Cracker couple rush out of the therapist's office, snickering, as they carry out with them a very phallic-looking, 3-foot-long salami.

Executives at Butterfinger-maker Nestle insist the teaser is all tongue-in-cheek — and targeted at a digital audience of 18- to 34-year-olds. "Some food pairings are better with a twist," says Jeremy Vandervoet, brand manager for Butterfinger. "We're just trying to be funny with food — and not over-think it."

While the same Peanut Butter and Chocolate couple from the teaser will appear in the actual, 30-second Super Bowl spot, "We are thoughtful that it will be for a mass audience," says Vandervoet.

A spokesman for Frito-Lay insists its "Finger Cleaner" commercial is hardly supposed to be racy. "It's about the universal question: How do you clean off a finger that has Doritos cheese on it?" says spokesman Chris Kuechenmeister.

Even then, jokes, Lippert, "I'd much rather see ads with suggestive food sex than with Kim Kardashian."

Best High Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now

Although this week's focus stock isn't a high dividend stock, like some of the stocks in our recent articles, it does have attractive options yield, and looks attractive on a long term basis, which is why we've included a long-term put options trade in this article. This household name also has turned around its prospects recently, going from negative to strong growth, and it looks undervalued on a PEG basis.

Whirlpool, (WHR), is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $18 billion in 2012, 68,000 employees, and 65 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. WHR enjoys a #1 market share globally, and in North America and Latin America.

It's not as dominant in Asia, where its operating profits were flat in its most recent quarter, but that should improve soon - WHR just announced that it will acquire a 51% majority stake in Chinese appliance manufacturer Hefei Sanyo for approximately $552 million. Whirlpool expects that this transaction will be accretive in the first full year of integration.

Best High Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: RTI Biologics Inc.(RTIX)

RTI Biologics, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, produces orthopedic and other surgical implants that repair and promote the natural healing of human bone and other human tissues. The company processes donated human musculoskeletal and other tissues, including bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, fascia lata, pericardium, sclera, and dermal tissues, as well as bovine animal tissues to produce allograft and xenograft implants by utilizing its proprietary BIOCLEANSE and TUTOPLAST sterilization processes It processes and distributes human and bovine animal tissues for use in the fields of sports medicine, spine, dental, surgical specialties, bone graft substitutes, and general orthopedic. RTI Biologics, Inc. markets its products through its direct distribution force, as well as through a network of independent distributors to hospitals and surgeons in the United States and 30 countries internationally. The company was formerly known as Regeneration Technologies, Inc. and c hanged its name to RTI Biologics, Inc. as a result of its merger with Tutogen Medical, Inc. in February 2008. RTI Biologics, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Alachua, Florida.

Best High Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: Laurentian Bnk Cda Com Cad1 (LB.TO)

Laurentian Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises, and independent advisors in Canada. Its Retail and SME-Qu茅bec segment offers transactional products, mortgage solutions, loans, and lines of credit; and investment products, including guaranteed investment certificates, term deposits, mutual funds, etc. through branches, electronic networks, a call centre, and mobile sales force. This segment also provides Visa credit card services, debit cards, credit insurance products, and trust services, as well as various commercial financial services to small and medium-sized enterprises. The company�s Real Estate and Commercial segment provides financing for commercial real estate properties; and commercial banking services to businesses. This segment offers short-and long-term financing solutions, investment products, transactional services, VISA credit cards, electronic ser vices, foreign exchange transactions, and international transaction settlement. Its B2B Bank segment offers banking and financial products, including investment loans, residential mortgage loans, high-interest accounts, GICs, and investment accounts and services through network of financial advisors and brokers. The company�s Laurentian Bank Securities and Capital Markets segment is engaged in the research and trading of government and corporate securities, as well as securities issued by small-cap companies for portfolio managers; and financing of governments, corporations, and small-cap companies. This segment also provides retail brokerage services, such as advisory, trading and research, and immigrant-investor programs; and business services, including back-office administrative services. As of October 31, 2013, Laurentian Bank of Canada operated approximately 153 branches and 422 automated banking machines. The company was founded in 1846 and is headquartered in Montr

Hot Casino Companies For 2014: Mariner Corporation Limited(MCX.AX)

Mariner Corporation Limited engages in the management of investment schemes in Australia. It also involves in the cattle leasing activities. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in Melbourne, Australia.

Best High Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: MasTec Inc. (MTZ)

MasTec, Inc., an infrastructure construction company, engages in the engineering, building, installation, maintenance, and upgrade of energy, utility, and communications infrastructure primarily in North America. The company builds natural gas, crude oil, and refined product transport pipelines; underground and overhead distribution systems, including trenches, conduits, and cable and power lines, which provide wireless and wireline communications; electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution systems; renewable energy infrastructure comprising wind and solar farms; and compressor and pump stations, and treatment and heavy industrial plants. It also installs electrical and other energy distribution and transmission systems, power generation facilities, buried and aerial fiber optic cables, coaxial cables, copper lines, and satellite dishes in various environments. In addition, the company provides maintenance and upgrade support services, such as the maintena nce of distribution facilities; and networks and infrastructure, including natural gas and petroleum pipelines, wireless, power generation, and electrical distribution and transmission infrastructure, as well as routine replacements and upgrades, and overhauls. Further, it offers emergency services for accidents or storm damage. The company�s customers include public and private energy providers, pipeline operators, wireless service providers, satellite and broadband operators, local and long distance carriers, and government entities. MasTec, Inc. was founded in 1929 and is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Michael Lewis]

  For a quick comparison, take a look at U.S.-based Mastec (NYSE: MTZ  ) , which trades at just under 13.75 times forward earnings yet holds a more conservative balance sheet and is a good bit larger at a market cap of $2.34 billion. While Mastec is building out its operations in Canada, Empresas offers potential outperformance by virtue of its market dominant position in Mexico.

• [By Rich Duprey]

  MasTec (NYSE: MTZ  ) is well-known for being�a leading infrastructure construction company across various industries, so its announcement this morning that it is acquiring an�oil and gas pipeline and facility construction services company should not come as a surprise.

Best High Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: Checkpoint Systms Inc.(CKP)

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. manufactures and markets identification, tracking, security, and merchandising solutions for the retail and apparel industry worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Shrink Management Solutions, Apparel Labeling Solutions, and Retail Merchandising Solutions. The Shrink Management Solutions segment provides shrink management and merchandise visibility solutions. It offers electronic article surveillance systems, such as EVOLVE, a suite of RF and RFID-enabled products that act as a deterrent to prevent merchandise theft in retail stores; and electronic article surveillance consumables, including EAS-RF and EAS-EM labels that work in combination with EAS systems to reduce merchandise theft in retail stores. This segment also provides keepers, spider wraps, bottle security, and hard tags, as well as Showsafe, a line alarm system for protecting display merchandise. In addition, it offers physical and electronic store monitoring solutions, incl uding fire alarms, intrusion alarms, and digital video recording systems for retail environments; and RFID tags and labels. The Apparel Labeling Solutions segment provides apparel labeling solutions to apparel retailers, brand owners, and manufacturers. It has Web-enabled apparel labeling solutions platform and network of 28 service bureaus located in 22 countries that supplies customers with customized apparel tags and labels. The Retail Merchandising Solutions segment offers hand-held label applicators and tags, promotional displays, and queuing systems. The company serves retailers in the supermarket, drug store, hypermarket, and mass merchandiser markets through direct distribution and reseller channels. Checkpoint Systems was founded in 1969 and is based in Thorofare, New Jersey.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  Three months after settling upon a new chief executive officer, it looks like Thorofare, N. J.-based Checkpoint Systems (NYSE: CKP  ) will soon have itself a new CFO as well.

• [By John Udovich]

  Small cap Checkpoint Systems, Inc (NYSE: CKP) fights shoplifting or retail theft and other forms of�"shrink��that costs retailers over $112 billion worldwide last year (according to a study funded by the company), meaning it might be an interesting stock to take a closer look at and to compare its performance with that of SPDR S&P Retail ETF (NYSEARCA: XRT) and PowerShares Dynamic Retail ETF (NYSEARCA: PMR). Just how bad can shoplifting or shrink be for a retailer? Troubled retailer J.C. Penney Company, Inc (NYSE: JCP) has just reported that shoplifting took a full percentage point off the department store chain's profit margins during the quarter. Moreover and given that tens of millions of Americans are now facing higher health insurance costs thanks to Obamacare (which will likely impact consumer discretionary spending),�retailers�will need to find ways to shore up their margins and bottom lines by preventing�retail theft with solutions from company�� like Checkpoint Systems.

Best High Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: Psychemedics Corporation(PMD)

Psychemedics Corporation provides testing services for the detection of abused substances through the analysis of hair samples primarily in the United States. The company provides commercial testing and confirmation by mass spectrometry using various practices for cocaine; marijuana; PCP; methamphetamine, including Ecstasy; and opiates comprising heroin, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and oxycodone. Its tests provide information that indicates the approximate amount of drug ingested, as well as historical data, which shows a pattern of individual drug used over a period of time. The company offers its services to employers for applicant and employee testing, as well as to physicians, treatment professionals, law enforcement agencies, school administrators, parents concerned about their children?s drug use, and other individuals or entities engaged in business where drug use or potential drug use is an issue. Psychemedics markets its corporate drug testing services primarily t hrough its own sales force; and home drug testing service, PDT-90, through the Internet and retail distributors. The company was founded in 1985 and is based in Acton, Massachusetts.

Best High Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: Thomson Reuters Corp (TRI.TO)

Thomson Reuters Corporation provides intelligent information for businesses and professionals worldwide. The company allows market participants to connect, access content, and trade in a secure environment through Thomson Reuters Eikon desktop, Thomson Reuters Elektron network, content integration and management technology, content feeds and databases, and transactions infrastructure solutions that support buy- and sell-side customers to trade in foreign exchange, fixed income and derivatives, equities, exchange-traded instruments, and commodities and energy markets. It also offers information, analytics, workflow, and technology solutions to buy-side and off-trading floor customers; access to liquidity in over-the-counter markets, trade execution, and connections for market participants and financial professionals� communities; and a suite of solutions offering informed outcomes to regulated industries and law firms. In addition, the company provides critical information , decision support tools, and software and services to legal, investigation, business, and government professionals; integrated tax compliance and accounting software and services for accounting and law firms, corporations, and government professionals; and intellectual property and scientific resources that enable its customers to discover, develop, and deliver innovations. Further, it offers coverage of global, regional, and national news in 20 languages covering politics, business, finance, entertainment, lifestyle, technology, health, science, and sports; provides governance, risk, and compliance e-learning programs; and engages in advertising-supported direct-to-consumer publishing activities of Reuters.com and its network of Websites, mobile applications, and electronic out-of-home displays. The company was formerly known as The Thomson Corporation and changed its name to Thomson Reuters Corporation in April 2008. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.

Best High Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: Swiber Holdings Limited (AK3.SI)

Swiber Holdings Limited provides integrated construction and support services to the offshore oil and gas industry in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Its offshore construction services include project management and engineering; procurement services; platform construction; transportation and installation of fixed offshore platforms and subsea pipelines; floating production systems; subsea field commissioning; FPSO, FSO, and CALM Buoy; and mooring installation services. The company also offers offshore marine services, such as marine transportation; offshore marine support vessels chartering; diving support vessels; shipyard facilities; ship repair and maintenance services; shipbuilding services; conceptualization and feasibility study; mooring systems design; basic and detailed engineering; start up and commissioning; and operations and maintenance services. In addition, it provides offshore subsea services comprising commercial saturation and air diving services; un derwater inspection, repair, and maintenance (IRM) of existing offshore oil and gas field structures; subsea barge support diving and remotely operated vehicle services; and subsea solutions from diving support vessels, as well as construction and IRM based projects. Further, the company offers offshore development services, including offshore wind farm engineering, transportation, and installation services; and wave energy, ocean tide energy, and ocean thermal energy convertor engineering and installation services. Additionally, it provides drilling services; and builds ships, tankers, and other ocean-going vessels. As of March 26, 2012, the company operated a fleet of 53 vessels comprising 41 offshore vessels and 12 construction vessels. Swiber Holdings Limited was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Singapore.

Best High Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company(DD)

E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company operates as a science and technology company worldwide. It operates in seven segments: Agriculture & Nutrition, Electronics & Communications, Performance Chemicals, Performance Coatings, Performance Materials, Safety & Protection, and Pharmaceuticals. The Agriculture & Nutrition segment provides hybrid seed corn and soybean seed, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, value enhanced grains, and soy protein under the Pioneer brand name. The Electronics & Communications segment supplies materials and systems for photovoltaic products, consumer electronics, displays, and advanced printing. The Performance Chemicals segment offers fluorochemicals, fluoropolymers, specialty and industrial chemicals, and white pigments for various markets, such as plastics and coatings, textiles, mining, pulp and paper, water treatment, and healthcare. The Performance Coatings segment supplies high performance liquid and powder coatings for motor vehicle origi nal equipment manufacturers (OEM); the motor vehicle after-market; and general industrial applications, such as such as coatings for heavy equipment, pipes and appliances, and electrical insulation. The Performance Materials segment provides polymers, elastomers, films, parts, and systems and solutions for the automotive OEM and associated after-market industries, as well as electrical, electronics, packaging, construction, oil, photovoltaics, aerospace, chemical processing, and consumer durable goods. The Safety & Protection segment primarily offers nonwovens, aramids, and solid surfaces for the construction, transportation, communications, industrial chemicals, oil and gas, electric utilities, automotive, manufacturing, defense, homeland security, and safety consulting industries. The Pharmaceuticals segment represents its interest in the collaboration relating to Cozaar/Hyzaar antihypertensive drugs. The company was founded in 1802 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Dela ware.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Alex Planes]

  The company popularly known as DuPont (NYSE: DD  ) is a shortened form of "E.I. du Pont de Nemours," itself a shortened version of the name Eluthere Irenee du Pont de Nemours, a Paris-born chemist with particular expertise as a gunpowder manufacturer. It was on July 19, 1802, on the banks of the Brandywine River in Delaware, that du Pont broke ground on the first gunpowder mills that gave rise to the DuPont chemical empire.

• [By Travis Hoium]

  DuPont (NYSE: DD  ) led the Dow by jumping 7.5% this week. Last quarter's earnings disappointment set extremely low expectations for the company in the first quarter, but it was able to meet them. First-quarter revenue rose 2% to $10.4 billion, and earnings from continued operations fell slightly to $1.46 billion, or $1.56 per share. The real hope was that earnings will pick up later in 2013 because ag unit sales were up 14% and volume grew 8%, so we could be in for much better results in the future. �

• [By Lu Wang]

  Bulls say stocks such as Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., DuPont Co. (DD) and LyondellBasell Industries NV (LYB) will continue to rebound as manufacturing expands in China, Europe and the U.S., spurring the fastest profit growth in three years for raw-material producers. Bears says the gains will be short-lived because the commodities super cycle is over and demand for metals and chemicals isn�� growing fast enough at a time when everything from copper to nickel and corn head into surpluses in the next year.

• [By Matt Thalman]

  This past week, eight of the Dow Jones Industrial Average's (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) 30 components reported earnings: McDonald's, DuPont (NYSE: DD  ) , AT&T, Travelers (NYSE: TRV  ) , United Technologies, Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT  ) , Boeing, and 3M (NYSE: MMM  ) .

Is Groupon Enticing After Recent Headlines?

With shares of Groupon (NASDAQ:GRPN) trading around $11, is GRPN an OUTPERFORM, WAIT AND SEE, or STAY AWAY? Let's analyze the stock with the relevant sections of our CHEAT SHEET investing framework:

T = Trends for a Stock’s Movement

Groupon offers online retail services. The company provides daily deals on stuff to do, eat, see, and buy in more than 500 markets in 44 countries. It provides an online service that lets groups of people create campaigns to pool resources, including money and personal commitments to take action, and it allows users to sell products and transact business online. Groupon is poised to see rising traffic as it provides consumers with ways to save on common shopping experiences and activities.

Groupon said Monday that it acquired online flash sales fashion retailer Ideeli to expand in the apparel sector. Groupon paid $43 million in cash for Ideeli. The deal closes Monday. Ideeli will maintain its headquarters in New York and will continue to operate as a separate website. Ideeli started in 2007 and was part of a group of so-called flash sales companies that specialized in fast, daily online events that offered heavily discounted fashion apparel in limited supply. ”Ideeli extends our fashion presence and brings great relationships with many of the top brands in apparel,” said Groupon CEO Eric Lefkofsky. “Our customers have a demonstrated appetite for these offers, and by broadening our reach in this space Groupon is even better positioned as the place you start when you want to do or buy just about anything, anytime, anywhere.”

T = Technicals on the Stock Chart Are Strong

Groupon stock has been surging higher over the past several months. However, the stock is currently pulling back and may need time to stabilize. Analyzing the price trend and its strength can be done using key simple moving averages. What are the key moving averages? The 50-day (pink), 100-day (blue), and 200-day (yellow) simple moving averages. As seen in the daily price chart below, Groupon is trading above its rising key averages, which signal neutral to bullish price action in the near-term.

(Source: Thinkorswim)

Taking a look at the implied volatility (red) and implied volatility skew levels of Groupon options may help determine if investors are bullish, neutral, or bearish.

	Implied Volatility (IV)	30-Day IV Percentile	90-Day IV Percentile
Groupon options	50.31%	3%	0%

What does this mean? This means that investors or traders are buying a very small amount of call and put options contracts, as compared to the last 30 and 90 trading days.

	Put IV Skew	Call IV Skew
February Options	Flat	Average
March Options	Flat	Average

As of today, there is an average demand from call buyers or sellers and low demand by put buyers or high demand by put sellers, all neutral to bullish over the next two months. To summarize, investors are buying a very small amount of call and put option contracts and are leaning neutral to bullish over the next two months.

On the next page, let’s take a look at the earnings and revenue growth rates and the conclusion.

E = Earnings Are Increasing Quarter-Over-Quarter

Rising stock prices are often strongly correlated with rising earnings and revenue growth rates. Also, the last four quarterly earnings announcement reactions help gauge investor sentiment on Groupon’s stock. What do the last four quarterly earnings and revenue growth (Y-O-Y) figures for Groupon look like and more importantly, how did the markets like these numbers?

	2013 Q3	2013 Q2	2013 Q1	2012 Q4
Earnings Growth (Y-O-Y)	0.00%	-125.00%	50.00%	0.73%
Revenue Growth (Y-O-Y)	4.66%	7.11%	7.53%	29.69%
Earnings Reaction	6.42%	21.55%	11.44%	-24.24%

Groupon has seen increasing earnings and revenue figures over the last four quarters. From these numbers, the markets have been pleased with Groupon’s recent earnings announcements.

P = Weak Relative Performance Versus Peers and Sector

How has Groupon stock done relative to its peers, Facebook (NASDAQ:FB), Google (NASDAQ:GOOG), United Online (NASDAQ:UNTD), and sector?

	Groupon	Facebook	Google	United Online	Sector
Year-to-Date Return	-5.40%	4.69%	1.06%	-3.34%	-1.74%

Groupon has been a poo relative performer, year-to-date.

Conclusion

Groupon allows consumers and companies to find a happy medium when transacting for goods or services. The company said Monday that it acquired online flash sales fashion retailer Ideeli to expand in the apparel sector. The stock has been surging higher over the past several months, but is currently pulling back. Over the last four quarters, earnings and revenues have been increasing, leaving investors pleased. Relative to its peers and sector, Groupon has been a poor year-to-date performer. Look for Groupon to OUTPERFORM.

Wednesday's Top Upgrades (and Downgrades)

This series, brought to you by Yahoo! Finance, looks at which upgrades and downgrades make sense, and which ones investors should act on. Today, our headlines feature gun makers Sturm, Ruger (NYSE: RGR  ) and Smith & Wesson (NASDAQ: SWHC  ) -- both recipients of new buy ratings this morning. But the news isn't all good, everywhere. Before we get to those two, let's take a quick look at why ...

Ambarella just crashed
Following a Street.com report detailing insider selling at Ambarella (NASDAQ: AMBA  ) earlier this week, and a downgrade of the stock to hold by Needham & Co. earlier this morning, shares of the high-def "system-on-a-chip" semiconductor maker are plunging, down nearly 8% at last report. Should investors be worried?

Not necessarily -- but probably. On one hand, the fact that insiders at Ambarella are selling will certainly annoy investors, and maybe even shake them up a bit, suggesting as it does that insiders might "know something they don't." Keep in mind, though, that statutorily defined insiders still control 43% of the stock of this company. That's a heck of a lot of skin in the game, and the fact that this number got slightly smaller on Monday really shouldn't be too much cause for concern.

What is of more concern, to me at least, is the valuation on this stock. After rising some 40% in response to December's news that Ambarella has developed a new chip for use in wearable cameras, the shares are looking mighty pricey today at a valuation north of 40 times earnings, and nearly seven times sales. Free cash flow at the company is strong, but still lags reported earnings by a few percentage points. And with analysts projecting profits growth in the neighborhood of 22% annualized over the next three years, it's hard to see why a 40 times multiple to earnings, and an even higher multiple to FCF, would be justified.

Long story short, the stock's overpriced -- and Needham's right to downgrade it.

Have gun, will travel (up)
Moving on now to the day's happier news, shareholders of gunsmiths Sturm, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson are enjoying modest gains in their stocks in response to a pair of new "initiations at buy" from the analysts at CRT Capital.

According to CRT, shares of Smith & Wesson are bound to reach $16 by the end of this year, and Ruger could hit $85. If the analyst is right, that would work out to about a 14% gain for S&W shareholders, 7.5% for Ruger (plus a 3.4% dividend yield, so closer to 11% total). Personally, I think the analyst is likely right.

Valued at less than 11 times earnings today, Smith & Wesson shares look attractively priced for the 30% annualized profits growth that Yahoo! Finance is predicting. They're even cheap relative to the more modest 13% growth rate quoted on S&P Capital IQ.

Ruger, in contrast, costs a bit more than S&W at 14.5 times earnings -- and is growing either faster or slower than its rival depending on which analysts you choose to believe. (S&P Capital IQ, for example, projects 13.5% annualized earnings growth at Ruger. Yahoo! Finance doesn't hazard any guess at all.) Factor in the 3.4% dividend yield and Ruger also looks underpriced for its prospects.

Beware of misfires
Is there risk in the stocks? Of course there is. There always is. For one thing, free cash flow at both Ruger and S&W looks weak lately. Based on data from the firms' respective cash flow statements, Ruger is currently generating only about $0.68 in real free cash flow for every $1 in earnings it reports under GAAP. Smith & Wesson is likewise churning out $0.68 in cash profits for each $1 of net income it reports.

This fact suggests that neither stock is quite as profitable -- or as cheap -- as it looks, and bears careful watching to make sure that FCF catches up to reported earnings and not the other way around.

Also worth noting: Earlier this week, analysts at KeyBanc pointed out that NICS data on handgun background checks run by the FBI in December (indicative of handgun purchase activity in the U.S.) was down 32.5% year over year against December 2012. That means that as a whole, Q4 background checks were down about 19.4% year over year. Even worse, KeyBanc noted that it seems to be seeing "a heightened promotional environment (the likes of which have not been seen for several quarters now)" among gun sellers. This, in turn, suggests that profit margins on the few guns that were sold last quarter may not have been all that great.

While the KeyBanc warnings don't necessarily upset the buy case for S&W and Ruger stock, they do bear consideration. At the very least, investors considering putting money in these two stocks should make sure to be ultraconservative in deciding which analyst growth estimates to believe and base their buy/sell decisions upon. In other words, if given a 30% and a 13% growth rate for Smith & Wesson and then asked to choose one to believe in, err on the side of caution: Pick 13%.

Fool contributor Rich Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Ambarella. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ambarella. 

Campbell Soup Company Beats Estimates; Guides Above Views; Shares Surge (CPB)

Before the opening bell on Friday morning, Campbell Soup Co. (CPB) reported its second quarter earnings, posting higher sales and higher earnings than last year’s same quarter.

CPB’s Earnings in Brief

Campbell’s reported second quarter revenues of $2.281 billion, which were up from last year’s Q2 revenues of $2.162 billion. Net earnings for the quarter came in at $318 million, up from $187 million reported for last year’s Q2. CPB reported EPS for the quarter of 74 cents, a large increase from last year’s Q2 EPS of 54 cents. Campbell’s came in above analysts’ estimates of 73 cents EPS on revenues of $2.27 billion. Looking ahead to FY2014, the company sees EPS in the range of $2.53 to $2.58, which is above analysts’ expectations.

CEO Commentary

Campbell’s president and CEO, Denise Morrison, had the following comments about the company’s earnings results: "We remain focused on strengthening our core business and expanding into higher-growth spaces as we reshape our portfolio to improve Campbell's long-term growth trajectory. We made progress on both fronts in the second quarter after a slow start to the year. In the quarter, we delivered 6 percent reported net sales growth and 15 percent adjusted EBIT growth, driven by our core business and the Kelsen Group acquisition. We also closed on the divestiture of our European simple meals business. Finally, we maintained our steadfast focus on driving productivity and managing costs.”

CPB’s Dividend

Campbell Soup most recently raised its dividend in October 2013, boosting its quarterly payout from 29 cents to 31 cents. We expect CPB to declare its next dividend within the coming weeks.

Stock Performance

CPB stock was up $1.38, or 3.37%, in pre-market trading. YTD, the company’s stock is up down 4.81%.

Hot China Companies To Watch In Right Now

U.S. stocks rose, giving the Dow Jones Industrial Average its biggest gain since July 11, as exports from China topped forecasts and corporate acquisitions fueled optimism in the world�� largest economy.

Molex Inc. jumped 32 percent after agreeing to be acquired by Koch Industries Inc. Apple Inc. rose 1.6 percent before an investor event tomorrow where the company will unveil new iPhone models. A Standard & Poor�� index of homebuilders jumped 5.5 percent, the most in almost two months. Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) rallied 9.4 percent as the world�� second-largest carrier will replace BMC Software Inc. in the S&P 500.

The S&P 500 gained 1 percent to 1,671.71 at 4 p.m. in New York, the highest level since Aug. 14. The benchmark gauge has rallied 2.4 percent over five days for the longest winning streak since July 15. The Dow added 140.62 points, or 0.9 percent, to 15,063.12. About 5.8 billion shares changed hands on U.S. exchanges, 3.2 percent below the three-month average.

Hot China Companies To Watch In Right Now: Arotech Corporation(ARTX)

Arotech Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides defense and security products. It operates in three divisions: Training and Simulation, Battery and Power Systems, and Armor. The Training and Simulation division develops, manufactures, and markets multimedia and interactive digital solutions for use-of-force training and driving training of military, law enforcement, security, and other personnel; provides simulators, systems engineering, and software products to the United States military, government, and private industry; and offers specialized use of force training for police, security personnel, and the military. The Battery and Power Systems division manufactures and sells lithium and zinc-air batteries for defense and security products and other military applications; and develops and sells rechargeable and primary lithium batteries and smart chargers to the military and to private defense industry. This division also develops, manufactures, and markets primary zinc-air batteries, rechargeable batteries, and battery chargers for the military; and produces water-activated lifejacket lights for commercial aviation and marine applications. The Armor Division manufactures military and paramilitary armored vehicles, and employs sophisticated lightweight materials to produce aviation armor; and uses engineering concepts to produce combat armored military vehicles and up-armor civilian commercial vehicles. This division also uses lightweight armoring materials and advanced engineering processes to provide ballistic armor kits for rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Arotech sells its products primarily in the United States, Israel, Taiwan, Canada, England, Germany, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, India, Spain, Singapore, and Japan. The company was formerly known as Electric Fuel Corporation and changed its name to Arotech Corporation in September 2003. Arotech Corporation was founded in 1990 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ant贸nio Costa]
  Arotech Corporation (NASDAQ: ARTX) is looking to get back over $2 based on the chart above. After days of trading sideways in a relatively narrow range, this stock is finally on the move again. The volume is starting to pick up and there could be a decent short squeeze (short float 15%) if the stock breaks above this range. Resistance levels to watch will be 1.98, 2.24 and 2.71 with support levels at 1.83 and 1.66. The technical indicators paint a BULLISH picture. The stock is rising above all major EMAs. The MACD has just entered the positive zone and above the signal line. The Slow stochastic and the RSI are both above their 50% levels. Next week will be for sure a key week for ARTX technically !!! Be prepared for a Big run !!! Stay invested w/ a stop-loss at 1.66 ( click to enlarge )

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  The great part about trading is the same thing that can make it a miserable game to play... nothing lasts forever. If you can spot the points in time when the winds blowing a stock are about to change, you can make or save a fortune. If you miss those subtle clues, however, you can lose... big-time. Enter Arotech Corporation (NASDAQ:ARTX) and Ariad Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARIA). Both have been well-watched stocks of late, and for food reason - both are big movers, in one direction or the other. Now, however, both ARIA and ARTX� are poised to move in a new direction - opposite directions - and traders looking for a good opportunity may want to take a closer look at both [which is what you're about to do].

Hot China Companies To Watch In Right Now: U S Concrete Inc.(USCR)

U.S. Concrete, Inc. engages in the production and sale of ready-mixed concrete, precast concrete products, and concrete-related products for use in commercial, residential, and public works construction projects in the United States. It operates in two segments, Ready-Mixed Concrete and Concrete-Related Products, and Precast Concrete Products. The Ready-Mixed Concrete and Concrete-Related Products segment involves in the formulation, preparation, and delivery of ready-mixed concrete to customers? job sites; and the provision of various services that include the formulation of mixtures for specific design uses, on-site and lab-based product quality control, and customized delivery programs. This segment also engages in the mining and sale of aggregates, such as crushed stone aggregates, sand, and gravel; and the resale of building materials, including rebars, concrete blocks, wire mesh, color additives, curing compounds, grouts, wooden forms, concrete masonry, and tools. Th e Precast Concrete Products segment produces a range of precast concrete products for use in various architectural applications, including free-standing walls used for landscaping; soundproofing and security walls; panels used to clad a building facade; and storm water drainages. This segment also offers various finished products consisting of utility vaults, manholes, catch basins, highway barriers, curb inlets, pre-stressed bridge girders, concrete piles, and custom-designed architectural products. The company serves general contractors, concrete sub-contractors, design engineers, architects, governmental agencies, property owners and developers, and home builders principally in Texas, California, New Jersey, and New York. As of March 7, 2011, it had 102 fixed and 11 portable ready-mixed concrete plants, 7 precast concrete plants, and 7 aggregates facilities. U.S. Concrete, Inc. was founded in 1948 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Top 10 Integrated Utility Companies To Buy For 2015: Ambow Education Holding Ltd. (AMBO)

Ambow Education Holding Ltd. provides educational and career enhancement services in the People?s Republic of China. The company?s Better Schools division offers K-12 degree programs and tutoring services that enable students to enhance their academic results and educational opportunities. This division provides tutoring services, including classroom instruction, small class, and one-on-one tutoring for students to prepare for important tests, primarily high school and university entrance exams; educational curriculum and software products through Web-based applications to allow students the access to tutoring services; and eBoPo that offers subjects, online practice tests, and instruction for K-12 level students. Its K-12 schools provide full-subject national curriculum, including mathematics, language, history, sciences, and arts. Ambow Education Holding?s Better Jobs division offers career enhancement service programs and college programs that facilitate post-secondary students to obtain employment. This division provides career enhancement services primarily to students at universities, colleges, and community colleges and recent graduates of these institutions. Its career enhancement services provides hands-on training for professional skills, including case studies, job environment simulation, and specific technical skills; and soft skills training comprising courses on time management, presentation, leadership, and interview techniques. This division also offers corporate training programs for employees; career GPS system, a career assessment platform for job seekers; and degree programs to incoming students. As of December 31, 2010, the company operated 107 tutoring centers and 5 K-12 schools; and 17 career enhancement centers and 2 colleges in the Bohai Rim Area, Central South Area, and the Yangtze River Delta. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People?s Republic of China.

Hot China Companies To Watch In Right Now: Yanzhou Coal Mining Company Limited(YZC)

Yanzhou Coal Mining Company Limited engages in the underground mining, preparation, and sale of coal. It involves in manufacturing, washing, processing, and selling steam coal used in the electricity power sector; and metallurgical coal used with coking coal in the process of pulverized coal injection, as well as operates six coal mines. The company also engages in the provision of railway transportation services; production and sale of coal chemicals, primarily methanol; and generation of electricity and heat. In addition, it involves in the manufacture and sale of mining machinery and engine products; and development of integrated coal technology. Further, the company engages in the transportation via rivers and lakes; sale of construction materials; and trading and processing of mining machinery. It has operations primarily in China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The company was founded in 1973 and is based in Zoucheng, the People's Republic of China. Yanzhou Coal Mining Company Limited is a subsidiary of Yankuang Group Corporation Limited.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  Yanzhou Coal Mining (YZC) engages in the underground coal mining, as well as preparation, processing, sale and railway transportation of coal. This stock closed up 7.6% to $7.31 in Thursday's trading session.

  Thursday's Range: $7.14-$7.31
  
  52-Week Range: $6.68-$18.57
  
  Thursday's Volume: 391,000
  
  Three-Month Average Volume: 370,383

  From a technical perspective, YZC bounced sharply higher here right off some near-term support at $6.77 with above-average volume. This stock has been downtrending badly for the last six months, with shares plunging from its high of over $14 to its recent low of $6.68. During that move, shares of YZC have been consistently making lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That said, shares of YZC have recently formed a double bottom chart pattern at $6.68 to $6.77. This stock now looks ready to reverse that downtrend and possibly trigger a near-term breakout trade. That trade will hit if YZC manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $7.76 to $8 with high volume.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in YZC as long as it's trending above its recent low of $6.77 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 370,383 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then YZC will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $9 to $10. Any high-volume move above those levels will then give YZC a chance to tag its next major overhead resistance levels at $10.67 to $11.11.

Hot China Companies To Watch In Right Now: Xueda Education Group(XUE)

Xueda Education Group provides tutoring services for primary and secondary school students in the People?s Republic of China with a focus on offering personalized tutoring services. Its services include consultation and assessment, formulation of a customized study plan, personalized tutoring, and delivery of supporting services. The company also provides course offerings that cover various academic subjects taught in primary and secondary schools, such as mathematics, English, physics, Chinese, and chemistry; and self-designed courses beyond the standard curriculum in certain subjects, as well as in subjects not taught at public primary and secondary schools. As of December 31, 2010, its tutoring service network comprised 207 learning centers and approximately 9,650 full-time service professionals, serving customers located in 53 economically developed cities across 27 of China?s 31 provinces and municipalities. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Beij ing, the People?s Republic of China.

Hot China Companies To Watch In Right Now: China Life Insurance Company Limited(LFC)

China Life Insurance Company Limited provides life, annuities, accident, and health insurance products in China. Its individual life insurance and annuity products consist of whole life and term life insurance, endowment insurance, and annuities. The company also engages in the writing of life insurance business. In addition, it offers group life insurance products, including group annuity products, and group whole life and term life insurance products to enterprises and institutions, as well as universal life products. Further, the company provides short-term insurance products comprising short-term accident insurance and short-term health insurance products; accident insurance products, such as individual accident insurance and group accident insurance; and health insurance products, including defined health benefit plans, medical expense reimbursement plans, and disease specific plans. It distributes its products through its direct sales representatives and exclusive ag ents, as well as through intermediaries comprising insurance agencies and insurance brokerage companies, non-dedicated agencies, bancassurance arrangements, travel agencies, and hotels and airline sales counters. The company was founded in 1949 and is based in Beijing, China. China Life Insurance Company Limited is a subsidiary of China Life Insurance (Group) Company.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By WWW.MARKETWATCH.COM]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Chinese stocks advanced early Monday, with strong gains for insurers helping support the market. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index (HK:HSI) improved by 0.5% to 22,816.23, with the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index up 0.9%, while the Shanghai Composite (CN:SHCOMP) added 0.3%. China Life Insurance Co. (HK:2628) (LFC) added 2.5% in Hong Kong and 1.6% in Shanghai after swinging to a quarterly profit, while strong earnings for rival Ping An Insurance Group Co. (HK:2318) (PNGAY) (CN:601318) sent its shares up 2.2% in Hong Kong and 1.7% in Shanghai. Among other Hong Kong-listed financials, China Construction Bank Corp. (HK:939) (CICHF) (CN:601939) rose 1.1% despite posting earnings that trailed average expectations, while China Merchants Bank Co. (HK:3968) (CIHHF) (CN:600036) climbed 1.3% ahead of its own quarterly report due later in the day. Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co. (HK:1157) (ZLIOF) shot 7.8% higher after a Chinese journalist admitted to taking bribes to write reports damaging to the company. News reports had accused the major contruction-machinery firm of acc

• [By John Udovich]

  China is set to ease the one child policy, something that could benefit Chinese stocks in general but be especially beneficial to insurance stocks like China Life Insurance Company Ltd (NYSE: LFC) and CNinsure Inc (NASDAQ: CISG) plus health care stocks like Mindray Medical International Ltd�(NYSE: MR) and Concord Medical Services Hldg Ltd (NYSE: CCM). First, let�� be clear that China is NOT abolishing the one child policy as the changes will merely�allow married couples to have two children if one spouse is an only child plus it will be up to China�� 34 province-level administrations to revise�their laws and put the new policy into effect. Moreover, China�� family-planning bureaucracy employs more than 500,000 full-time workers and six million part-time workers all the way down to the village level to�collect billions of dollars in fines and these bureaucrats have fought for years against policy changes���meaning they could throw up roadblocks if not placated. With that said, the insurance and health care sectors are two sectors with publicly Chinese stocks that look set to�take advantage of the coming changes.

Hot China Companies To Watch In Right Now: Renesola Ltd.(SOL)

ReneSola Ltd, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of solar wafers and solar power products. It offers virgin polysilicons, monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar wafers, and photovoltaic cells and modules. The company also provides cell and module processing services. Its products are used in a range of residential, commercial, industrial, and other solar power generation systems. The company sells its solar wafers primarily to solar cell and module manufacturers. It principally operates in Mainland China, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, India, Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, the Czech Republic, and the United States. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in Jiashan, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  But Trina gave a troubling update to its quarterly guidance a couple weeks ago, saying that it shipped 390-400 megawatts of solar modules during the quarter, down from its original 420-430 megawatt estimate. With gross margins of just 1% to 3%, Trina isn't faring as badly as peer ReneSola (NYSE: SOL  ) , which posted negative gross margins in its quarterly report earlier this month. Yet Trina still isn't making enough money to come close to profitability in the near future.

• [By Laura Brodbeck]

  Thursday

  Earnings Expected From: UTi Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ: UTIW), Renesola Ltd. (NYSE: SOL), Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE: RY), Kroger Company (NYSE: KR), Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG), Diamond Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: DMND) Economic Releases Expected: US factory orders, French unemployment rate, Bank of England interest rate decision, US GDP

  Friday

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Breaking news

  Vitran Corporation (NASDAQ: VTNC) announced today that it has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement with TransForce pursuant to which TransForce has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Vitran not already owned by TransForce for US$6.50 in cash per share, in accordance with TransForce's prior proposal. To read the full news, click here. ReneSola (NYSE: SOL) today announced it signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) to sell three utility-scale projects in Western China, with a total capacity of 60MW, to Jiangsu Akcome Solar Science & Technology Co on December 30, 2013. To read the full news, click here. Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: CTB) today announced it has terminated the merger agreement with Apollo Tyres (NSE:ApolloTYRE). To read the full news, click here. RedHill Biopharma (NASDAQ: RDHL) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with leading healthcare investor OrbiMed Israel Partners Limited Partnership, an affiliate of OrbiMed Advisors LLC, for the sale of RedHill's American Depository Shares and warrants in a private placement transactionor a total sum of $6.0 million. To read the full news, click here.

  Posted-In: Guggenheim US Stock FuturesNews Eurozone Futures Global Pre-Market Outlook Markets

• [By Gary Bourgeault]

  Other companies of note that will be hurt will be LDK Solar (LDK), Suntech Power (STP), JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (JASO) and Renesola (SOL) among others. Some these are already hanging on by a thread because of taking on too much debt and defaulting on bonds.

Hot China Companies To Watch In Right Now: China Lodging Group Limited (HTHT)

China Lodging Group, Limited, together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and manages a chain of hotels in the People?s Republic of China. It operates HanTing Express Hotel that targets knowledge workers and value-conscious travelers; HanTing Seasons Hotel, which targets mid-level corporate managers and owners of small and medium enterprises; and HanTing Hi Inn for budget-constrained travelers. As of March 31, 2011, the company had 473 hotels consisting of 259 leased-and-operated hotels and 214 franchised-and-managed hotels; and 162 hotels under development, including 74 leased-and-operated hotels and 88 franchised-and-managed hotels. China Lodging Group, Limited was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Calling all cash flows
  When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on China Lodging Group (Nasdaq: HTHT  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Hot China Companies To Watch In Right Now: ChinaCast Education Corporation(CAST)

ChinaCast Education Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides post-secondary education and e-learning services in China. The company operates in two segments, E-learning and Training Service Group and Traditional University Group. The E-learning and Training Service Group provides post secondary education distance learning services that enable universities and other higher learning institutions to provide nationwide real-time distance learning services. It also provides K-12 educational services, such as broadcast multimedia educational content services to primary, middle, and high schools; and vocational/career training services. The Traditional University Group segment operates private residential universities that offer four-year bachelor?s degree and three-year diploma programs in finance, economics, trade, tourism, advertising, IT, music, foreign languages, tourism, hospitality, computer engineering, law, and art. The company also provides logistic service s. ChinaCast Education Corporation was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Central, Hong Kong.

5 reasons why Yellen's words soothed Wall St.

NEW YORK — First came the "Greenspan put." Then the "Bernanke bounce." Now stock prices on Wall Street are getting an upward lift from the "Yellen Effect."

The Federal Reserve, with its ability to adjust the levers of monetary policy, has long had a sizable impact on the U.S. stock market.

Indeed, central bank support of financial markets, especially in periods of stress, during the Alan Greenspan era, the Ben Bernanke years and now the early days of Janet Yellen's term has been a boon for Wall Street.

The so-called Yellen Effect was on full display Tuesday. The Dow Jones industrial average soared 193 points to 15,995 after Yellen reassured markets that the Fed remains committed to making sure the economy and job market keep healing in her first-ever testimony before Congress about central bank policy.

YELLEN: Economy is improving at moderate pace

STOCKS : Dow has first 4-day winning streak of 2014

Yellen's words soothed the nerves of anxious investors. She said all the things the market wanted to hear.

Yellen said she strongly supports the market-friendly policies of recently departed Fed chief Ben Bernanke. She said markets can expect "continuity" in the Fed's approach. She said the wind down of quantitative easing, or QE, would be done in "measured steps." She said the Fed will keep short-term interest rates around 0% for a long time after the unemployment rate, now 6.6%, dips below 6.5%.

She also said the emerging markets turbulence wasn't an immediate threat to the U.S. economy, which continues to get better but requires more help from the Fed to heal completely. More important, Yellen said the Fed would consider easing back on QE "tapering" in the event the economy hit the skids again.

Here are five reasons Yellen's words soothed Wall Street.

1. Yellen is mirror image of Bernanke. While vice chair under Bernanke, Yellen's views on Fed policy were in sync with her then-boss, and she helped shape and also backed the Fed's steps to boost ! the economy and create more jobs. Her written testimony and responses to congressional leaders Tuesday confirmed that the Fed under Yellen will be very similar to the central bank under Bernanke.

"Everyone was waiting for Yellen to say her peace, and she said what everyone hoped for, which is she is not doing anything different than Ben," says Lance Roberts, chief strategist at STA Wealth Management. "Overall, she came across like Bernanke 2.0, and that gave the market support."

2. She didn't rule out tapering the taper. While Yellen reiterated that for now the Fed plans to stick to its timetable to wind down QE later this year via "measured steps," she stressed that there was no "preset course" and that incoming economic data would determine the ultimate timing of its exit strategy.

"She said they will monitor the data, and if it weakens they will reconsider tapering," adds Roberts. "That was a key message."

TESTIMONY: Full text

FED REPORT: Fed's review and outlook for economy

3. She said 0% rates aren't rising anytime soon. Guiding the market, Yellen reiterated that the Fed would not even begin to discuss raising short-term rates, currently around 0%, until long after the unemployment rate dips below the 6.5% threshold.

"What she is saying is they will keep short-term rates really low for a long time," says Dan Seiver, finance professor at San Diego State University. "She reassured investors that 6.5% doesn't mean anything, and completely erased that line in the sand."

4. Her message: I'm the boss. By backing current Fed policy, she solidified her reputation as a dove, or a policymaker that prefers easy policy for longer to get the job market humming again. She also demonstrated leadership.

"She established that she is the boss, that she is in charge and that she is a dove," says Seiver.

5. She gave the economy a vote of confidence. "She downplayed the emerging-market problems and said she would continue reducing bond purchases, which means ! the econo! my is getting stronger," says Anthony Valeri, investment strategist at LPL Financial.

ON THE MARKET - Key neck-line is at (SPX) 1739

Pre-market – Monday 2-10-2014

"The just price is the price established by the 'common estimation' [17] of buyers and sellers."

Saint Thomas Aquinas

1225 -1274

Dr. John L. Faessel

ON THE MARKET

Commentary and Insights

Quote of the day

"Government spending cannot create additional jobs. If the government provides the funds required by taxing the citizens or by borrowing from the public, it abolishes on the one hand as many jobs as it creates on the other."

~ Ludwig von Mises ~

* **

Resistance at the 50-day moving averages loom large

Support at last Wednesday's neck-line low of (SPX) 1739 is crucial

MARKET

Last week stocks, as best seen by the S&P 500 (SPX) advanced off their Monday's low on above average and increasing volume- albeit slightly increasing volume. Friday's move of 1.7% in the Nasdaq was the first time since mid-January that the index advanced on rising volume. Generally speaking it was a positive week coming off an oversold McClellan Oscillator where 'price' reached depths not seen since last October of minus 200. The McClellan closed on Friday at a neutral minus 41.

While major indexes, sans Nasdaq, have that broken chart look, the important channel off the November 2012 low remains intact. Major technical damage has been done. The 50-day moving average resistance is now in decline at 1809. However, so far anyway, 'it' all could be a healthy 'buy 'em cheap at the Channel low kind of scenario.

All eyes will be at Wednesday's neck-line low of (SPX) 1739.9. If that goes the long party with that solid trend goes blewie and the outlook, from a technical perspective, really gets dicey.

Graph of the week:

The value of an education is now more important than ever.

S&P 500

The S&P 500 (SPX) closed Friday at 1797.02 - off from the prior Friday's 1782.59 – 4-weeks ago it was 1838.70.

Watch (SPX) 1772…

Key 'price' support is at (SPX) 1738

Channel and trend line support off the November 2012 lows is 1760.

The 200-day moving average support is at 1711.

Fibonacci 50% support is at 1749.

Fibonacci 61.8% support is at 1725.

Then deep channel and trend line support of (October 2011) is at 1643.

Price resistance is at the 'previous' breakout point of 1798. Importantly,1798 repelled the market on Thursday.

The 50-day moving average resistance is now in decline at 1809.

Significant price resistance is at the top tick of 1850.84 was registered on Wednesday 1/15/2013.

Filed under: What a screwed up country

Read - Beyond shocking & brilliant > 70 million Americans are taking mind-altering drugs – by David Kupelian - link here

PIGS bond yield update

EuroLand Heals: Portuguese, Italian, Greek and Spanish and short- and long-term bond yields are hugely lower from where they were in 2012.

·Portugal 10-year bond yield 4.90% down from high of 18.29%

·Italy 10-year (gross) bond yield – 3.68% off cycle highs of 7.29%

·Greek 10-year yields are at 7.59% down from a high of 24.41%

·Spanish 10-year (generic) bond yield – 3.58%. cycle highs of 7.41%

This Week's Investor Sentiment

The Bullishness / Bearishness complex overview is now well-off its recent extreme highs of Bullishness. The 'sky high' bullish sentiment had numerous models posting near decade highs that gave us ample warning to prepare for a stock market pullback.

(High BULLISH readings in the Investor Sentiment Readings usually are signs of Market tops; low ones, market bottoms.)

The Citigroup "Panic / Euphoria" Model fell to a plus 0.49% from the prior weeks plus 0.55.5-weeks ago it reached decade new highs of a plus 0.66 in the Euphoria Zone.In early 2000 it ticked its all-time high at plus 0.72. At the end of June, 2011 it ticked cycle lows of minus0.31 in the Panic mode.

The American Association of Individual Investors [AAII]Investor Sentiment Survey of BULLISHNESS slid to 27.9% from the 32.2%. 7-weeks ago it ticked a 55.1% the highest posting in the prior11-months. It posted cycle lows of 22.2% on 7/23/2012 the lowest percentile since August 2010. Long-Term Average: Bullish: 39.0%.

The American Association of Individual Investors [AAII] Investor Survey of BEARISHNESS rose to 36.4% from 32.8% the prior week. 4-weeks ago it was 21.5 %. 4-months ago it registered the lowest read since 1/12/2012 at 17.6%. Cycle highs of Bearishness of 54.5% were posted about 5-months ago. Long-Term Average: Bearish: 30.5%.

Consensus Index of BULLISH sentiment is at 59% that's down from last week's 68% and from the cycle and multi-year highs of 78% established 10-weeks ago. The new cycle highs in Bullishness of 78% topped the top of 77% Bullish posted on 10/11/2007.

The Market Vane (Market Letter Survey) fell a couple of ticks to 59% from the prior last week's posting of 61%. In October 2007 it topped at 70% bullish.

The Investor's Intelligence Index six weeks ago Monday was at 81%. That's the highest level since January of 1987. The Investor's Intelligence Index is a combination/comparison of that survey's bullish and bearish percentage scores. The bullish percentage is at 59%, which is the highest level since September of 2008. The bearish percentage now stands at 14%, which is the lowest reading since early 1987.

The Hulbert Financial Newsletter Sentiment Index for all stocks six weeks ago Monday was at 82%... the highest reading in at least 15 years.

Friday's key indicators and metrics

Cycle highs or lows are in red

·McClellan Oscillator is in Neutral at plus 45

·(The prior Monday the McClellan was an oversold minus 200)

·3-month $USD LIBOR – 0.2385 link here

·CBOE Put / Call Volume Ratio – 0.82

·VIX – 15.29

·Natural Gas (Globex) – 4.775 - last Wednesday it posted 5-year highs of 5.73

·Swiss Franc – 1.1144

·US Dollar Index – 80.76

·Euro – 1.3628

·Japanese Yen – 0.9777

·Canadian Dollar – 0.9056-The prior week it ticked 4½ year lows at 0.8899

·Aussie Dollar –0.8938

·Crude oil (NYMEX) 99.88

·Brent crude 109.57

·Copper (Globex) – 3.2360

·Gold (Globex) – 1262.9

·The Treasury 5-year yield – 1.47%

·The Treasury 10-year yield – 2.69 - cycle highs were 3-weeks ago at 3.01%

·The 30-year Treasury – 3.68% - the cycle highs of 3.93% were 3-weeks ago

·Silver (COMEX) – 19.936

·Platinum 1379.2

·Palladium (Globex) 708.80

·Lumber (CME) – 354.20

.

Global Macro: Data and Politics Push Emerging Markets Lower

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets (EEM) exchange-traded fund sold off heavily on Thursday because weak Chinese data and geopolitical events in emerging economies soured investor sentiment on stocks.

Emerging market equities sold off the entire session on Thursday as news from across the globe provided the needed catalyst to bring the index down from over bought levels.

The Chinese manufacturing PMI, released Wednesday, dipped to a four-month low for the final month of 2013. The number signaled that demand may be falling in the world's second-largest economy, which has negative implications for the country's future industrial output and export growth.

This could directly impact upon emerging market economies by decreasing demand for raw material exports to China, which would weigh on first-quarter 2014 GDP growth estimates. The United States manufacturing PMI was in line with expectations while labor market data showed improvement in jobless claims. The data prove the U.S. economy is on a stable track and could see further Federal Reserve stimulus tapering in 2014. Tapering would lead to higher interest rates in the United States. This correlates negatively to excess capital available to developing countries, due to a higher cost of borrowing. Less capital available to emerging markets hurts their domestic equity markets and is thus bearish for the emerging market equity index. Along with economic data, geopolitical events in Turkey and Thailand damaged investor sentiment. Political instability in emerging markets does not bode well for the country at hand, as well as surrounding countries. Due to the proximity of emerging market economies around both Turkey and Thailand, the news of political instability provided even more reason to sell the index. The selloff enhanced global market volatility, which led to Japanese yen strength against the U.S. dollar. The dollar/yen currency pair formed a double top on the hourly chart and broke lower as global equity markets sold throughout the day.

Stock quotes in this article: EEM 

The yen is considered a "safe haven" currency and is bought during times of investor anxiety. The collection of events on Thursday gave the yen the fuel it needed to break out of its multiday consolidation pattern.

Another aspect to consider when analyzing the index's selloff is that it was the first trading day of 2014. Last year the sentiment was overwhelmingly bullish, pushing global equity indexes to record highs. The buying fatigue may have manifested itself with the day's catalysts, which happened to be weak Chinese numbers and geopolitical risks.

The chart below shows a heavy selloff in the emerging market equity index. With such a large-magnitude sell, expect for the index to consolidate in the days following. This will lead to a consolidation pattern from which we can then project the future movement of the index.

EEM data by YCharts Follow @macroinsights This article represents the opinion of a contributor and not necessarily that of TheStreet or its editorial staff.

Stock quotes in this article: EEM 

RBC Steps Out, Upgrades Lululemon

It's no secret that Lululemon (LULU) has been one stock that everyone–from consumers to that investors–really loves to hate. Or at least that’s what we thought.

Christian Science Monitor/Getty

But yesterday, Citigroup’s Oliver Chen issued a positive note on Lululemon, and today RBC analyst Howard Tubin stepped off the sidelines and upgraded the battered company to Outperform from Sector Perform. Citing the company's new leadership, strong brand and the current cheap look of the stock, Tubin sees serious upside. He writes:

We believe lululemon represents a unique and compelling growth story in the apparel retail space. With most of the bad news from 2013 now in the rear view mirror and the shares meaningfully of their highs, we believe the entry point is compelling. Applying a 24-26 times multiple (a premium to the high-growth/niche softlines peer group based on better than average long-term growth prospects) to our 2014 estimate of $2.15 yields our price target of $56.

Whether or not it's truly time for investors to get in where they fit in (bad pun completely intended) remains to be seen, but we just ran a quick check of Lululemon’s stock and it is up 4.6% to $47.53 today at 3:50 p.m.m while Under Armour (UA) has risen 2.8% to $109.14, Nike (NKE) has advanced 1.6% to $72.64 and the Gap (GPS), which bested earnings forecasts today, is up 5.9% to $42.04.

Still, Luluemon has a long way to go. Even after today’s gain it’s still down 20% this year alone.

Disney profit up, helped by 'Frozen,' 'Infinity'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Walt Disney Co. on Wednesday reported earnings and revenue for the holiday quarter that beat Wall Street's expectations, helped by movie hits like Frozen and sales of its Disney Infinity console game.

Net income in the fiscal first quarter through Dec. 28 rose to $1.84 billion, or $1.03 per share, from $1.38 billion, or 77 cents per share, a year ago.

Excluding restructuring charges and other items, adjusted earnings came to $1.04 per share, beating the 92 cents expected by analysts polled by FactSet.

Revenue rose 9% to $12.31 billion, beating the $12.25 billion expected by analysts.

Shares rose 3.3% to $74.15 in after-hours trading Wednesday, after already gaining 71 cents to close at $71.76 in the regular session.

Along with the strong movie studio results, revenue and profit grew for its TV networks, as growth at ESPN offset weakness at ABC. Higher theme park ticket prices and more guest spending offset higher costs associated with the launch of its MyMagic+ bracelet, which helps visitors plan their trip and buy merchandise.

The consumer products division also grew, thanks to the inclusion of Lucasfilm items following Disney's acquisition of the maker of Star Wars in late 2012. Disney plans to release a sequel, Star Wars: Episode VII, in December 2015.

CEO Bob Iger said in a statement the quarter's results were "incredibly strong" and reflected the company's successful portfolio of brands, including those from studios Pixar and Marvel.

Should I Buy FB Stock? 3 Pros, 3 Cons

Popular Posts: FB Stock – Why Facebook Could Soar Another 18%Can Apple Payments Cure AAPL Stock Growth Woes?FB Stock: 4 Things to Watch For in the Facebook Earnings Report Recent Posts: Should I Buy FB Stock? 3 Pros, 3 Cons SOCL Could Get Unfriendly For Investors FB Stock: Who Will Be the Facebook of 2024? View All Posts

Facebook (FB) is celebrating its 10th birthday today, just days after putting out another solid earnings report that shot FB stock to a new high.

"It's been an amazing journey so far, for me personally and for all of us at the company," said CEO Mark Zuckerberg on the Facebook earnings call.

Of course, it was a difficult journey, too. He and Facebook had to fend off competitors like Friendster, MySpace and even Google (GOOG). He also had to make the transition from the desktop to mobile. But through it all, Zuckerberg has proven adaptable, brilliant and fierce.

The only question now is — can he and FB stock keep up their winning ways? We look at the pros and cons of the stock to find out.

FB Stock Pros

Massive Platform: About 1.23 billion people visit FB every month, with about 750 million of those visiting on a daily basis. Facebook in turn is able to collect huge troves of information about these users, which it translates into targeted marketing. FB stock has in turn benefited from strong pricing power for Facebook ads. Still, the real story for Facebook is mobile. By end the of 2013, mobile monthly active users came to a whopping 945 million (+39% on a year-over-year basis), and mobile daily active users had improved by 49% YOY to 556 million.

Beyond the News Feed: Facebook plans to build more apps that provide unique solutions for users without being embedded in the core Facebook app. One example is Messenger, which has been growing at breakneck speed — it was the most downloaded app for Apple's (AAPL) iOS and Google's Android in December. FB also is adding key assets via acquisitions, the most important of which (so far) appears to be Instagram. With it, Facebook has been able to benefit from the huge popularity of photo sharing and also has been able to better engage younger users.

Lastly, it appears Facebook is building a mobile ad network that would give FB a piece of mobile ads from third-party apps — a potentially large revenue opportunity. Facebook already has the components to make this happen, such a software development kit for mobile apps (via its Parse division), critical ad targeting technology (such as with a desktop-based ad network) and Facebook logins for third-party apps.

Monetization: FB stock couldn’t take off until Facebook figured out how to make money off of its users. And Zuckerberg has figured it out — especially in mobile. In the latest quarter, about 53% of ad revenues came from mobile sources, totaling about $1.25 billion. But unlike many other hot Internet operators, such as Twitter (TWTR), FB has been able to remain profitable. Also, 2013 free cash flow was $2.8 billion and Facebook has $11.4 billion in short-term investments.

A key to Facebook's monetization success has been the company's aggressive investments in ad technologies. For example, by leveraging third-party data sources — such as from Datalogix, Acxiom (ACXM) and Alliance Data Systems (ADS) — it has been able to provide analytics on the performance of ad campaigns. On the Q4 earnings call, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg said the average return on News Feed ads was an incredible 8x.

FB Stock Cons

Limits: About a third of the world's population has access to the Internet, and many of those who are connected only have low-bandwidth connections. Ergo, it’ll be tough for FB to maintain the hefty ramp in its user growth. Facebook is trying to address the problem with the launch of Internet.org. The site’s mission is to create partnerships with Internet service providers and telecom carriers to build the infrastructure necessary to make Internet access (and thus Facebook use) more ubiquitous. However, so far, the details are vague, and it’s too early to measure any serious traction.

The MySpace Syndrome: The key reason for the downfall of MySpace was the flood of annoying ads, which weighed heavily on the user experience. That gave Facebook an edge. However, FB might be doing the same thing that did in MySpace. It’s clear that, as Facebook ramps up monetization, the ads are starting to pile up, and that could be giving a leg up to the likes of SnapChat, WhatsApp and Line. Meanwhile, studies are increasingly showing that the demographics trend isn’t looking good for Facebook on the young end. Could that be an early indicator of its future decline?

Flubs: Facebook has had a dry spell with new products. Offerings like Home for Android and Graph Search have failed to get much interest from interest. Poke, a knock-off of SnapChat, was a total flop. When it comes to product development, Facebook seems to be more focused on reacting to the competition, such as when Facebook introduced features such as trending topics and hashtags in response to Twitter. Long-term, Facebook must be more creative and launch breakout products, or it risks being vulnerable to the erosion of its user base.

Verdict

Zuckerberg has clearly shown that he is a standout leader capable of at least identifying the need for a middle ground of solid product and monetization.

Facebook also is at the center of a massive shift where ad dollars are moving from traditional sources to online platforms. The company has much latent potential with properties like Instagram, which have minimal ads, and FB stock also could get a boost from a mobile ad network and auto-play video ads.

Still, Wall Street appears well ahead of this. FB stock currently trades at 38 times next year’s earnings, which is well ahead of other tech giants such as Google. In other words, growth is plenty expected … and if it doesn’t keep coming, watch out.

So should you buy FB stock? No — for now, much of the growth has already been factored into the stock. If you do plan on buying in, wait for a quick pullback.

More on Facebook’s 10th Birthday 20 Social Media Networks That Facebook Has Outlived Who Will Be the Facebook of 2024? Facebook Users Are Getting Older … and That’s a Good Thing

Tom Taulli runs the InvestorPlace blog IPO Playbook. He is also the author of High-Profit IPO Strategies, All About Commodities and All About Short Selling. Follow him on Twitter at @ttaulli. As of this writing, he did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.

Best Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014

"Dogs of the Dow" is the name of one of the simplest dividend strategies for beating the market. Over the coming year, I'll track the Dogs' performance and keep you abreast of news affecting these companies.

The strategy
The Dogs is an investing strategy that buys and holds equal dollar amounts of the 10 best-yielding dividend stocks of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) . The strategy banks on the idea that blue-chip stocks with high yields are near the bottom of their business cycle and should do much better going forward. Investors in the strategy then would get not only large dividends but also gains in the stocks underlying those dividends.

High-yield dividends
High-yield portfolios are often dismissed as inferior to their growth counterparts for various reasons:

Many people fear that increasing dividend yields mean lower portfolio returns. Others believe that dividend payments mean that management believes the business is done growing.

Evidence compiled by Tweedy Browne refutes these falsehoods. Research shows that portfolios of high-yield dividend stocks outperform lower-yielding portfolios and the market in general. In fact, a study by noted finance professor Jeremy Siegel found that over 45 years, the highest-yielding 20% of S&P 500 stocks outperformed the S&P 500 by three times! The highest-yielding stocks turned a $1,000 investment in 1957 into $462,750 by 2002, compared with $130,768 if the same money was invested in the index.

Best Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Coronado Biosciences Inc (CNDO)

Coronado Biosciences, Inc., incorporated on June 28, 2006, is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel immunotherapy biologic agents for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer. The Company�� two principal pharmaceutical product candidates in clinical development include Trichuris suis ova or CNDO-201 (TSO) a biologic comprising of the microscopic eggs of the porcine whipworm, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn�� disease (Crohn��), ulcerative colitis (UC) and multiple sclerosis (MS), and CNDO-109, a compound that activates natural killer (NK) cells of the immune system to seek and destroy cancer cells, for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In January 2011, the Company acquired the OvaMed GmbH License.

TSO

TSO is the microscopic eggs of a parasitic helminth, or worm, that is found in pigs. In September 2011, the Company filed an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and it initiated a single dose, dose escalation study in patients with Crohn�� in February 2012. The Phase 1 clinical trial was a multi-center, sequential dose-escalation, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the primary objective of which was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of TSO. The trial enrolled 36 patients with Crohn�� ranging in age from 20 to 54 with an equal distribution of male and female patients in three single dose cohorts of orally administered 500, 2500 and 7500 ova. Each cohort had 12 patients, with nine patients receiving TSO and three receiving placebo.

CNDO-109

CNDO-109 is a lysate (disrupted CTV-1 cells, cell membrane fragments, cell proteins and other cellular components) that activates donor NK cells. CTV-1 is a leukemic cell line recently re-classified as a T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). The Company has worldwide rights to develop and commercialize CNDO-109 activated NK cells for the treatment of cancer fro! m UCLB. In February 2012, the Company submitted an IND for the CNDO-109 activated NK cell product in the United States. The treatment of patients with CNDO-109 activated NK cells involves several steps. The activated NK cells are infused into the patient after resting NK cells are incubated with CNDO-109 for at least eight hours. Preparation of CNDO-109 activated NK cells takes about 24 hours from start to finish.

The Company competes with Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc.�� Remicade , UCB S.A.�� Cimzia, Abbott Laboratories��Humira, Biogen Idec�� Avonex, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals��Betaseron, Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries, Ltd.�� Copaxone and Novartis AG�� Gilenya.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  Coronado Biosciences (CNDO) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on novel immunotherapy biologic agents for autoimmune diseases and cancer. This stock closed up 4.9% to $8.22 in Thursday's trading session.

  Thursday's Range: $7.84-$8.29
  
  52-Week Range: $4.00-$12.70
  
  Thursday's Volume: 323,000
  
  Three-Month Average Volume: 390,192

  From a technical perspective, CNDO spiked higher here right above its 200-day moving average of $7.63 with decent upside volume. This stock has been downtrending badly for the last three months, with shares falling from its high of $12.70 to its recent low of $7.32. During that move, shares of CNDO have been consistently making lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. Shares of CNDO now look ready to reverse that trend and potentially trigger a near-term breakout trade. That trade will hit if CNDO manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $8.56 to $8.94 with high volume.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in CNDO as long as it's trending above its 200-day at $7.63 or above more support at $7.32 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 390,192 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then CNDO will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $9.50 to $10.35. Any high-volume move above those levels will then put its next major resistance level at $11 into range for shares of CNDO.

• [By CRWE]

  Coronado Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNDO), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel immunotherapy biologic agents for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer, reported that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed public offering of 2,000,000 shares of its common stock. All shares proposed to be included in the offering will be sold by the company.

• [By Grace L. Williams]

  Honorable mentions go out to Coronado Biosciences (CNDO), after its CEO Harlan Weisman and Jay Lobell, a longtime director, joined forces and bought 20,000 shares for $152,100; and to Anacor Pharmaceuticals (ANAC) after CFO Geoffrey Parker bought 33,000 shares for $224,300. InsiderScore noted that Parker�� purchase was his largest to date and called it a ��ompelling positive event.��/p>

• [By Ben Fox Rubin]

  Biopharmaceutical firm Coronado Biosciences Inc.(CNDO) said a recent pilot study found that the first five patients using its potential autism treatment showed statistically significant separation from placebo, in favor of the drug. The treatment was also well-tolerated. The study is still ongoing. Shares jumped 26% to $2.25 premarket.

Best Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Ecopetrol S.A.(ECP.TO)

Ecopetrol S.A., an integrated oil company, engages in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas. As of December 31, 2011, its proved reserves of crude oil and natural gas totaled 1,856.7 million barrels of oil equivalent. The company also owns and operates refineries that produce a range of refined products, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, aviation fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, and sulfur; and petrochemicals and industrial products comprising paraffin waxes, lube base oils, low-density polyethylene, aromatics, asphalts, alkylates, cyclohexan, aliphatic solvents, and refinery grade propylene. In addition, the company engages in the transportation of crude oil, motor fuels, fuel oil, and other refined products, as well as diesel and palm oil mixture. Ecopetrol S.A., in partnership with other companies and joint venture partnerships, owned a network of approximately 5,089 kilometers of crude oil and multi-purpose pipelines; own ed 2,886 kilometers of crude oil pipeline directly; owned 2,203 kilometers of crude oil pipeline with its business partners; and owned 3,679 kilometers of multi-purpose pipelines for the transportation of refined products from the Barrancabermeja refinery and from Reficar to wholesale distribution points. It also owned 52 stations and a nominal storage capacity associated to the transportation network of 19 million barrels of crude oil and 6 million barrels of refined products. Further, it markets various refined and feed stock products, including regular and high octane gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, natural gas, and petrochemical products. The company was formerly known as Empresa Colombiana de Petr�eos and changed its name to Ecopetrol S.A. in June 2003. Ecopetrol S.A. was founded in 1951 and is based in Bogota, Colombia.

Top 5 Canadian Stocks To Watch Right Now: Sigma Designs Inc.(SIGM)

Sigma Designs, Inc. provides integrated system-on-chip solutions (SoC) for the Internet protocol television (IPTV), media processor, connected home and media player, prosumer and industrial audio/video, high definition television, and PC-based add-in markets. The company offers semiconductors with a suite of real-time software that enables synchronous processing of video, audio, and graphics streams for various applications. Its media processor product line represents a family of SoC solutions that are a component of multiple consumer applications, which process digital video and audio content comprising IPTV, connected media players, and portable media players. The company?s home networking product line consists of wired networking solutions based on HomePNA, HomePlug AV, and G.hn standards, as well as wireless connectivity solutions based on Ultra-wideband technology. Its standards are used for transferring Internet protocol content across coaxial cables, phone lines, a nd power lines to enable service providers to deliver IPTV solutions and other media-rich applications. The company?s video image processor product line comprises of semiconductors that provide video output for professional and prosumer applications. Its home control and energy management automation product line includes wireless transceiver devices along with a mesh networking protocol. The company offers its home connectivity products under the CopperGate; wireless connectivity solutions under the CoAir; video image processors under the VXP; and wireless transceiver devices under the Z-Wave brands. It also provides software elements, such as multimedia library, security management software, and porting adaptations. In addition, the company offers PC-based solutions. It sells its products through direct sales force, manufacturer representatives, and independent distributors primarily in Asia, Europe, and North America. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered i n Milpitas, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rebecca McClay]

  In earnings news today, a few companies are reporting after the closing bell, including H & R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB), which is up about 1%. Pike Electric Corp. (NYES: PIKE), Guidewire Software Inc. (NYSE: GWRE), and Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq: SIGM) are also reporting quarterly earnings late this afternoon.

Best Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: (FXPT)

Fox Petroleum Inc., a development stage company, engages in the identification, exploration, acquisition, and development of prospective oil and gas properties. It holds oil and gas interests in a United Kingdom onshore license; and joint venture interests in Texas. The company was formerly known as Nova Resources Inc. and changed its name to Fox Petroleum Inc. in February 2007 to reflect the new direction of its business of oil and gas exploration and development activities. Fox Petroleum Inc. was founded in 2004 and is based in New York, New York.

Best Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Stonehenge Metals Ltd(SHE.AX)

Stonehenge Metals Limited engages in the exploration of uranium in South Korea. The company also explores for lead, zinc, silver, and tin in Tasmania. It principally holds interests in Daejon Project located in South Korea. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is based in Perth, Australia.

Best Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: TESSCO Technologies Incorporated(TESS)

TESSCO Technologies Incorporated provides products and value chain solutions to support the construction, operation, and use of mobility and data wireless systems primarily in the United States. The company?s Network Infrastructure segment offers base station antennas, cable and transmission lines, fixed and mobile broadband equipment, wireless local area network products, wireless networking, filtering systems, small towers, lightning protection devices, connectors, security and surveillance products, power systems, and miscellaneous hardware products that are used to build, repair, and upgrade wireless telecommunications, computing, and Internet networks. This segment also provides various services, including connector installation, custom jumper assembly, filter product tuning, site kitting, logistics integration, and wireless network training. It?s Mobile Devices and Accessory segment offers cellular phone and data device accessories comprising replacement batteries, cases, speakers, mobile amplifiers, power supplies, headsets, mounts, car antennas, music accessories, and data and memory cards, as well as two-way radios and related accessories. The company?s Installation, Test, and Maintenance segment provides analysis equipments; and various frequency, voltage, and power-measuring devices, as well as assortment of tools, hardware, GPS, safety and replacement, and component parts and supplies. This segment?s products are used to install, tune, maintain, and repair wireless communications equipment. The company serves carrier and public network operators, tower owners, program managers, contractors and integrators, wireless Internet service providers, industrial and enterprise self-maintained users, governments, manufacturers, repair centers, retailers, dealers, and value-added resellers. TESSCO Technologies Incorporated was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

Best Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc.(QCOR)

Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, provides prescription drugs for the treatment of auto-immune diseases. The company?s primary product is H.P. Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection), an injectable drug for the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis; infantile spasms in infants and children under two years of age; nephrotic syndrome; and Lupus. Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Anaheim, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Selena Maranjian]

  Other companies didn't do as well last year but could see their fortunes change in the coming years. Questcor Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: QCOR  ) , for example, sank 17% and recently yielded 2.1%. It's largely known for its multiple-sclerosis (MS) drug, Acthar, that has sold well in the past, and is being evaluated for many more indications. Questcor's management is extremely well regarded, and its dividend was increased by 25% earlier this year. The stock has been heavily shorted, but short interest is shrinking, and some see it as a bargain. Questcor has bought the not-yet-approved-in-the-U.S. immune drug, Synacthen, a possible rival product, from Novartis.

• [By Keith Speights]

  Questcor Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: QCOR  ) reported first-quarter results after the market closed on Tuesday -- and they didn't look great. Shares fell 3% in after-hours trading, but were things really as bad for Questcor as they might seem? Let's take a look.

Best Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Cementir(CEMI.MI)

Cementir Holding SpA, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes cement, aggregates, and concrete products worldwide. The company offers various grey cement products, including traditional Portland cement, composite Portland cement, blast furnace cement, pozzolanic cement, and composite cement. It also provides white Portland cement that is used in dry white and colored mixtures as a binder in various types of mortar; and used in concrete for panels, balconies, cornices, ornaments, paving stones and flags, sculptures, and swimming pools, as well as used to produce road signs, tunnel linings and ramps, kerbs, road-markings, and medium barriers. In addition, the company offers ready-mix concrete; and pre-cast concrete products that are used in civil engineering projects and transport industries. Further, it extracts and distributes aggregates, such as sand, gravel, or crushed stones used as structural construction components. The company was incorporated in 1947 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy.

Best Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P. (KMP)

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. operates as a pipeline transportation and energy storage company in North America. Its Products Pipelines segment delivers gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and natural gas liquids to various markets through approximately 8,600 miles of refined petroleum products pipelines; and operates 62 associated product terminals and petroleum pipeline transmix processing facilities. The company�s Natural Gas Pipelines segment gathers, transports, stores, treats, processes, and sells natural gas through approximately 33,000 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines and gathering lines, as well as natural gas storage, treating, and processing facilities. Its CO2 segment produces, markets, and transports carbon dioxide through approximately 1,500 miles of pipelines to oil fields. This segment also owns and operates 7 oil fields, and a 450 mile crude oil pipeline system in west Texas. The company�s Terminals segment transloads, stores, and delivers bulk, petroleum, petrochemical, and other liquids products through approximately 113 liquids and bulk terminal facilities; and approximately 35 rail transloading and materials handling facilities. Its Kinder Morgan Canada segment transports crude oil and refined petroleum products through approximately 2,500 miles of pipelines from Alberta, Canada to marketing terminals and refineries in British Columbia, the state of Washington, and the Rocky Mountains, as well as in the central regions of the United States. This segment also operates the Jet Fuel aviation turbine fuel pipeline that serves the Vancouver (Canada) International Airport. Kinder Morgan G.P., Inc. serves as the general partner of the company. Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  Of course, Enterprise isn't the only player in the space. Midstream giant Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (NYSE: KMP  ) has been pushing hard to extend its lead in the industry, with its recent purchase of Copano Energy giving Kinder Morgan both pipeline and processing-facility assets in the important Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas.

Best Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Lihua International Inc.(LIWA)

Lihua International, Inc., through its subsidiaries, produces copper replacement products in the People?s Republic of China. It develops, designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes refined copper products, including copper anode, copper rod, pure superfine copper wire, and copper-clad aluminum superfine wire. The company offers its products in various diameters ranging from 0.03 mm to 0.18 mm. Its copper rod based wire products comprise cable products used for telephone drop wire and conductors; electric utilities; transmission lines, grid wire, fence, and structured grounds; industrial drop wire, magnet wire, battery cables, and automotive wiring harnesses; and radio frequency shielding, as well as magnet wire products used in electronic motors, transformers, water pumps, automobile meters, energy, industrial, commercial, and residential industries. It produces and distributes copper superfine wire in various forms, including fine wire to smaller wire manufacturers for further processing; magnet wire that is used for electrical conductivity in a range of motorized appliances; and tin plated wire for the transmission of audio and visual signals. Lihua International manufactures and sells copper anode to copper entities, which produce and sell copper cathode to copper products manufacturers. The company sells its products directly to manufacturers or through distributors in the wire and cable industries, as well as to manufacturers in the consumer electronics, white goods, automotive, utility, telecommunications, and specialty cable industries. The company is headquartered in Danyang, the People?s Republic of China.

Best Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: China Wind Power Intl Corp (CNW.V)

China Wind Power International Corp. focuses on development and operation of wind farm power plants in China. It indirectly holds the rights for wind energy development in Duerbert Mongolian Nationality Autonomous County, Heilongjiang Province, with an installed capacity of 1,150 megawatts of wind energy developable over an area of 612 square kilometers. The company is based in Toronto, Canada.